Let the debate begin: We pick our Springbok team to face the Wallabies in Sydney

The Springboks must not hesitate to make some key strategic changes to the team ahead of Saturday’s all-important clash against Australia.

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The Springboks embarrassingly went down 25-17 against Australia at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday, which followed on from a 35-23 defeat in their previous encounter against New Zealand in Johannesburg two weekends ago.

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The Boks are now under immense pressure to bounce back strongly in their last three games of the competition, starting with this Saturday’s rematch against Australia in Sydney.

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South Africa will then meet Argentina – who beat the All Blacks in Christchurch on Saturday – in their last two Rugby Championship clashes in Buenos Aires and Durban respectively.

The Bok coaches won’t want to panic in terms of team selection, but it’s very clear that the squad does need to be freshened up with some new blood.

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This Saturday’s game is a perfect opportunity for the calming influence and experience of Willie le Roux to come to the fore. The veteran deserves to start at fullback, while allowing Damian Willemse to move to inside centre and afford Damian de Allende an overdue rest.

On the right wing, a brave call would be to hand talented youngster Canan Moodie his debut, while Jaden Hendrikse should be backed to reclaim the No 9 jersey.

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At flyhalf, despite the struggles of Handre Pollard, there is very little option but for the Boks to continue backing the 28-year-old considering that Elton Jantjies is also battling with form.

In the pack, Jasper Wiese should return at No 8 in the place of out-of-sorts Duane Vermeulen, while Malcom Marx must come in as the starting hooker.

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Frans Malherbe may well be due a rest, with Trevor Nyakane deserving of a return at tighthead prop. On the other side of the scrum, Steven Kitshoff should start in place of Ox Nche in an all-new front row.

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Coach Jacques Nienaber will name his 23-man squad on Tuesday, 30 August at 11:00 (SA time).

Ahead of him doing so, The South African website’s Craig Lewis, Garrin Lambley and Dean Boyle have selected the starting XVs they believe the Springboks’ brains trust will read out.

Kick-off for the Test in Sydney on Saturday, 3 September is at 11:35 (SA time) and, as always, the best place to follow the action LIVE is on The South African website.

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SPRINGBOK TEAM PREDICTIONS

CRAIG LEWIS’ EXPECTED SPRINGBOKS STARTING XV

15 Willie le Roux, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Steven Kitshoff

GARRIN LAMBLEY’S EXPECTED SPRINGBOKS STARTING XV

15 Willie le Roux, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Elrigh Louw, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Steven Kitshoff

DEAN BOYLE’S EXPECTED SPRINGBOKS STARTING XV

15 Willie le Roux, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Kwagga Smith, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Steven Kitshoff